A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about my personal experiences with anxiety and depression, and how those mental illnesses affect your finances. (See article here)
This week, I’d like to talk about what it’s like living with these two illnesses. Before I do, however, I’d like to show a graphic from Anxiety.org that sum the symptoms pretty well.
The most challenging part about having anxiety and depression is that no day is the same.
Sometimes, I can’t even tell they’re there. Although, to be honest, those days are very few and far between.
Other days, my anxiety is in overdrive, which is exhausting. I’m jittery, constantly worrying about things that I needn’t worry about, and I have a big ball of negative energy that’s ever present in my stomach.
I have to say, though, the days when my depression is dominant are the toughest. The only thing I want to do these days is stay in bed and sleep.
Isolate myself from everyone, and just deal with it alone. Which is counter intuitive because social interaction is one thing that helps the most.
Recent changes
My medication changed. I don’t know if I noted it in that prior post I alluded to earlier, but my previous prescription wasn’t doing the job.
I’ve been on my new dose for two weeks now. My doc gave me two medications. One to treat my depression and another to treat my anxiety.
So far, so good. My depression isn’t gone by any means, but it’s definitely reduced. Though, I will say, there are days when it flares up due to certain triggers.
My anxiety is, somewhat, better. The biggest positive is that I’m sleeping better, which is vitally important.
The biggest drawback I’ve noticed is something I didn’t expect.
A temper was passed down to be, and sometimes, it’s really bad. Over the past year or so, my depression has been so prominent that it’s muted my anger.
Guess what? The new medication is doing its job and the anger is making its way back.
So what do I do? Change my medications again? Or do I learn techniques to manage my anger? Techniques that will allow me to feel my emotions without feeling controlled by them.
Yes is my answer.
Meditation, relaxation, and exercise. The two former I’m incorporating into my morning routine. The latter will take place in the evening.
My new morning routine will go as follows: (all while listening to relaxing chillstep)
- Wake up 45 minutes before I have to get ready (shower, shave, change, leave)
- Start with 5 minutes with my neck/head tension reliever
- 10 minutes in my inversion table
- 15 minutes of meditation
- 15 minutes of Tai chi
- Turn on some classic 90s/00s hits to get ready to
My exercise routine changes everyday. At least 30 minutes each day.
Day 1 – Elliptical
Day 2 – Stretch
Day 3 – Pull-ups and lunges
Day 4 – Stretch
Day 5 – Resistance bands and jumping jacks
Day 6 – Stretch
I haven’t done enough to take my mental health into my own hands. Sure, I’m seeing a therapist and I’m taking prescription medication, but that’s not enough.
I need to move my body and relax my mind.
I’m also reading a book about the Dalai Lama right now, and it’s quite interesting. It’s giving me a different perspective on how I can go about my day and the mentality I can incorporate into my daily life.
How it affects my finances
Depends on the day. If it’s a depression day, not too much. Like I said, I want to isolate myself on these days and I generally won’t buy things to make me feel better.
If it’s an anxiety-ridden day, that’s a different story. Food is my go-to when my anxiety is running high. That negatively affects my finances.
Bottom line, just make sure you are taking care of yourself. Whatever that looks like for you. Also, make sure you have a “person”. Someone you can vent to. Someone that checks on you.
Read More:
Choosing a Bed: Sleep Number vs Tempurpedic
My name is Jacob Sensiba and I am a Financial Advisor. My areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, retirement planning, budgets, and wealth management. Please feel free to contact me at: jacob@crgfinancialservices.com
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